Mods at the Madhouse revs up at Grandview
The Thunder on the Hill Racing Series returns to Grandview Speedway tonight for the Mods at the Madhouse, pitting many of the top names in regional racing against one another.
BECHTELSVILLE » “The first win is the hardest one to get,” a statement passed down from one race car driver to another as they battle it out wheel-to-wheel on the high banks of Grandview Speedway.
A new group of drivers gets their shot Saturday night, October 14 at Grandview Speedway when NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series present the Mods at the Madhouse — 20th Annual Traffic Jam, a triple Thunder thriller event featuring the Modifieds, Sportsman and MASS Sprint Car Series.
Chasing checkered flags at the famed one-third mile dirt track isn’t easy — but plenty of drivers that have found Grandview victory lane, are still searching for their first Thunder on the Hill victory. With a $5,000 top prize on the line, competition is at an all-time high and having not won a Thunder show just adds a little more pressure.
Among drivers searching for their first Thunder on the Hill win is 37-yearold Boyertown racer Ryan Watt. With 20 years of Modified experience, Watt holds two Grandview Speedway point race victories and dominated special events at his home track, Bridgeport Speedway, this season — defeating the Super DIRT car Series regulars and being crowned King of the Big Blocks. But don’t let that big track experience fool you, Watt is a force to be reckoned with on the Berks County high banks.
With just a few years of Modified experience, Orefield’s Brett Kressley has scored three regular season Grandview Speedway wins — including two in 2017. Kressley is a fan-favorite, and a win from the 25-year-old racer would be exciting to watch.
Surprisingly, Billy ‘The Kid’ Pauch is winless in the Modified division at Thunder on the Hill special events. The Modified legend has won nearly every race imaginable — and while Pauch is the leads the Thunder All-Time Sprint Car win list — Pauch has yet to score a Modified victory.
Drivers like Jared Umbenhauer, Chris Esposito, Tim Buckwalter, Ryan Grim, and Kyle Weiss have claimed Grandview wins and hope for their first Thunder on the Hill special event victory.
That win will be wellearned with established Thunder winners — like Jeff Strunk, a 12-time winner; Duane Howard an 11time winner; Craig Von-Dohren a 6-time winner; Doug Manmiller a 4-time winner; Meme Desantis a 3-time winner; Frank Cozze, Mike Gular, Billy Pauch Jr., and Rick Laubach all 2-time winners; and Kenny Gilmore, Ryan Godown and Kevin Hirthler — with their sights set on another triumph.
There is no entry fee, and no track/series license required to compete in this event and a special rules package is offered as a ‘treat’ to the region’s competitors, with both American Racer and Hoosier tires allowed for competition, and either Big-Block or Spec Small-Block engines permitted.
Sportsman competitors from racetracks around the region have already registered to compete in the 25lap, $1,300 to win Sportsman event at the Halloween Party spectacular. A loosened tire rule is in effect for the Sportsman — competitors are allowed to compete on Hooser or American Racer rubber. Grandview Sportsman rules are in effect and competitors are allowed to run sail panels. Full rules are available on the Grandview Speedway website.
A higher payout will also entice MASS Sprint Car drivers from the area as they compete in a 25-lap main event with $500 up for grabs — as well as, an increased payout throughout the top spots.
All three divisions will compete in full qualifying heat races, consolations, and feature events.